HOLLAND -- Tulip Time's board of directors has affirmed its decision to deny Right to Life of the Holland Area the right to enter a float in the Volksparade and the Muziekparade of this year's flower festival. The organization had participated in the parades for 25 years. The Right to Life chapter's board had asked Tulip Time last week to reconsider the denial, offering to add the words "education fund" to the organization's name on the float.

Tulip Time Executive Director Tamra Bouman said the festival's recently acquired 501 (c) 3 non-profit designation prohibits involvement of groups whose goal is to directly influence legislation. The decision does not reflect the personal views of any board member, she said.